₦airaland Forum

Since declaring his interest in the presidential race on the platform of All Progressives Congress last week, House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal has faced a great deal of pressure from supporters of former Head of State, General Muhammadu Buhari, to shelve his ambition. Buhari is seen as the leading aspirant of the party and his supporters see the entry of fellow North-west man, Tambuwal, into the race as a possible upset that should not be allowed.

But Tambuwal’s declaration of interest in the presidential race has, obviously, upset the campaign strategies of the party’s other main aspirants. Besides Buhari and Tambuwal, the other aspirants are former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwanso and publisher of Leadership Newspapers, Mr. Sam Nda-Isaiah.

APC’s presidential contenders have ramped up consultation across the country in the wake of the speaker’s entry. This is as some reasons emerged at the weekend why Tambuwal is running for the presidency.

THISDAY learnt that Tambuwal had nursed the intention of running for the 2015 presidency from the beginning, but he was persuaded by some politicians from his state, Sokoto, to go for the governorship seat. But while considering the governorship idea, another snag appeared: the incumbent governor, Aliyu Wammako, though Tambuwal’s close associate, already had a favourite whom he wanted to succeed him.

But the speaker, who joined APC from Peoples Democratic Party on October 28, would not want to go back to the House of Representatives because the speakership has been zoned to the South-east by the party, though it is yet to be formally announced. Many believe that for him to quit the presidential race and go to the House, APC would have to rezone the speakership to North-west. In the alternative, Wammako would have to be persuaded to back Tambuwal for the governorship of Sokoto State next year.

The Speaker has however denied insinuations that he organised the purchase of the APC presidential nomination forms for himself by some of his colleagues. Some APC members of the lower chamber had bought the presidential nomination forms for Tambuwal last week, signalling his jettisoning of his widely rumoured desire to seek the governorship of his native Sokoto State.

He told the Hausa Service of the British Broadcasting Corporation monitored in Kano on Saturday morning that he had no part whatsoever in the decision to buy the form for him.

Tambuwal said, " I am under pressure to contest for presidency from my friends and well-wishers who bought the form for me and I will consult my people for their advice", adding, "I have received the presidential nomination form of APC and I will go and consult people, stakeholders in my home state, Sokoto for their advice".

Tambuwal also dismissed as misdirected the speculation that he was in the race to spoil the chances of Buhari, Atiku or any of the other aspirants. He said people from all walks of life had been encouraging him to run for the presidency since the last two years.

When asked if he would be ready to step down for any of the contestants, he said, "I am ready to step down for anyone who is more competent than me".

He however said that he believes people had confidence in him that was why they asked him to contest the presidency, adding that, "Nigerians believe that they will get better if I become President because of their trust in me. I will not disappoint the trust reposed in me.”


The speaker also used the opportunity provided by the BBC interview to explain his movement to APC, and his defection to PDP a few years ago, maintaining that it was entirely in accordance with the wishes of his constituents adding that that was why he won his elections at those times.


Opinions have varied on Tambuwal’s political weight in the race for the APC presidential ticket. But there has been an obvious stir among the aspirants since he joined the race, despite efforts by other contenders to downplay the significance of his entry into the race.


For instance, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, one of the key contenders, has said that the speaker’s entry into the presidential race is a legitimate ambition that does not upset either the aspirants or the process for the selection of the party’s candidate. Atiku spoke in Lagos at the weekend after a closed-door meeting with members of the Lagos State House of Assembly, led by Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji.

Atiku said Tambuwal’s aspiration was “legitimate as far as democracy is concerned,” adding, “I do not see any problem in the process of selecting or electing a presidential candidate for the party.”

The former vice president also met with other stakeholders of the party in the South-west as part of a nationwide campaign to woo delegates ahead of the APC presidential primary next month. However, there are strong indications that the current round of meetings by Atiku may also be connected to Tambuwal’s declaration for the presidency.

One of the strategists working to realise the presidential ambition of Kwankwaso told THISDAY on condition of anonymity that Tambuwal was a political lightweight who had never tested electoral contest at the presidential level.

Similarly, a top member of the Buhari campaign organisation, Mr. Osita Okechukwu, while welcoming Tambuwal's entry into the presidential race, however, said it will not affect the prime position occupied by the former Head of State.

Okechukwu said, “The entry of Hon. Aminu Tambuwal is a welcome development, the more the presidential aspirants or any aspirant to governor, senate, national or state assemblies the merrier. Our great party, the APC, will be the greatest beneficiary, as the mobilisation of the electorate will be wider, penetrating, and robust.

“Therefore, Tambuwal is highly welcome into the presidential race. This is why the constitution of our party was amended penultimate week, to accommodate in less than one hour, any person who joins APC.”

Okechukwu said he could not speak on Tambuwal’s chances.

“All one knows is that his entry will neither diminished nor cut-off the celestial bond between General Mohammadu Buhari and the masses and the middle class of our dear country. The masses and middle class had renewed at every election GMB's 12 million vote bank. Therefore, the contest at the end of the day is between President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Buhari,” Okechukwu said.

THISDAY gathered that the major strategy of those putting pressure on Tambuwal to back down is to downplay the question of age and generational change, which apparently go against the former Head of State. They intend to emphasise, instead, experience, the issue of tested and trusted hand, and similar credentials that put Buhari ahead, particularly at a time when the country is in a war situation.

On their part, the campaign team of Atiku said with the entry of Tambuwal, Nigerians now have more aspirants to choose from. The managing director of the Atiku Media Office, Mallam Garba Shehu, told THISDAY on Saturday that the former vice president was reaching out to more stakeholders of the party across the country ahead of the presidential primaries.

According to Shehu, “To us, the more the merrier. We see it as widening the choices that the people have and it is left for them to make up their minds on who to elect. As a true democrat, Atiku will welcome the entry of more aspirants so that Nigerians can choose whom they want.

“Turaki has a national profile and will not be affected by the votes from just a particular zone. Right now, Atiku is in the campaign and reaching out to all parts of the country to mobilise support.”

Shehu also dismissed suggestions that Tambuwal's entry into the race might reignite the search for a consensus candidate, insisting that the matter is closed.

The consensus arrangement is believed to strongly favour Buhari’s emergence as the APC candidate.

Link: http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/buhari-s-supporters-put-pressure-on-tambuwal-to-quit-race/194277/

ola6:
I doubt they will split. I think the will decamp to pdp because they know there is democracy in pdp hence they at least have a chance to test their popularity unlike APC. That is what democracy is all about. It is not lording yourself on people. Fashola is just too weak to man up. I mean, Tinubu was just an ex governor same way fashola is the current governor. Fashola is a coward in my opinion.

Look at tge man APC insults day and night, Jonathan. He broke the godfatherism string when Obj thought of pulling it. That is how leaders should be. Be your own man not another man's bit.ch. I'll advise Banire, Gos and co to either join the pdp. After all, they (current pdp lagos and apc lagos) were all Iin A.D. before the Iragbiji fuc.k.tard for osun came to split them. They all saw each other as Lagosians first before the Osun serpent came to frustrate them out..

Gush! I dislike the fa.g.got called Tinubu ole.

You made good points there. Let's wait and enjoy their show while it last.

I share his fears concerning security in the North-east but calling for a Two-year transitional government is just plain wrong. I think what we need to do as a people is call on the National Assembly to speed up the process for the implementation of the recommendations of the just-concluded National Conference.

ola6:
Fantastic reply to apc sycophants. Seanet02, Gbawe, prof corruption, berem and co. Pls rise above this and be more than just Tinubu's slaves.

He himself Tinubu was supported by all of us to break the strong hold of afenifere and the deception of OBJ. Its this same Obj that is apc's consultant. It is now Tinubu that consitute himself as the new afenifere.

Can't you all see the hypocrisy? This is the reason many Yorubas and I will ALWAYS prefer PDP to APC.

APC is bedeviled with myriads of problems. I see the party splitting up into two, with Pro Tinubu and Anti Tinubu camp.

Taiwo Sanyaolu writes that the recent revelation by the National Legal Adviser of the All Progressives Congress, Dr. Muiz Banire, on the state of the party is not only correct but the position of a majority of party members, who do not have the guts to speak out

Lagos politics is taking a new dimension most especially with respect to recent developments in the All Progressives Congress (APC). It seems it is now a battle between those who want progressive change within the party and the agents of compulsory maintenance of status quo of politics of imposition.


The most disturbing aspect of it is some errand boys in The Nation who have taken the gauntlet on themselves believing that the best way to continue surviving is to engage in gutter journalism and toilet patronage.
Let me say right away that I am one of the deprived party members in the last congress of the party in Lagos state and therefore make no pretence as per my interest in the subject matter.


Prior to my reacting to the said piece, I made contact with Premium Times which confirmed that in the said interview, Dr. Muiz Banire never specifically made mention of any personality and that was why they put the names in bracket, the import of which should be known to Mobolaji Sanusi if indeed he is a seasoned journalist.


However, since Sanusi has decoded it is Asiwaju that was being referred to, I will respond in that context. When it is clear that Tinubu has defecated in the temple and tore the holy scripts to clean his ass and the whole world is condemning his sins, a Lilliputian journalist like Sanusi, on page 22 of The Nation edition of Friday, November 14, 2014, shamelessly descended on the arena through his almajiri journalism of condemning anybody who opposes the denigrating politics of his lord and savior in Bourdillon.


How on earth can anyone in his right senses forget that Lagosians are not idiots that can be manipulated anyhow without resistance for politics of imposition to continue forever?


In the first place, Sanusi, in condemning the respectable paper delivered by Dr. Banire at the Colloquium in Honour of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, did not get his facts right. He did not know that Dr. Banire delivered his paper at Eko Hotel & Suites in Victoria Island, Lagos, but rather said that the paper was delivered in Osogbo. What a journalist!


Second, he claimed that Dr. Banire was a product of one Olatunji Hamzat’s political benevolence. This rookie journalist is not knowledgeable in the history of politics in Mushin. For God’s sake, anyone who was present in Mushin before and after 1999 knew that Dr. Banire was a political factor in Mushin through his party activities and not by any godfather.


His ascension to commissionership in Lagos State in 1999 was as a result of his excellent political performance in assisting Alliance for Democracy in the company of Senator Ganiyu Solomon and others to emerge winner in the governorship election that produced Tinubu as governor.


Elections are conducted in polling units from where the results would go to the wards and local government collations centres. Tinubu was not the one that mobilised Mushin Local Government for his victory in 1999 but people like Dr. Banire, who spent his energy and resources to mobilise the masses in support of the party.


How much did Sanusi’s political leaders spend during the election and how can any writer manipulate history to make Dr. Banire a political apprentice of Olatunji Hamzat?


Assuming without conceding that it were so, is graduation from apprenticeship not in the dictionary of Sanusi, or natural order of events? Ignorance is a deadly disease. It is deadlier when it is compounded by sycophancy and these are the diseases worrying Sanusi.


Dr. Banire was a notable senior lecturer in 1999 in the prestigious Faculty of Law, University of Lagos and a practicing lawyer with numerous records of courtroom excellence in advocacy.


The almajiri journalist, in his begging business did not know that Dr. Banire became a political leader through dint of hard work and political wizardry. Sanusi claimed that Dr. Banire was using a ramshackle automobile before 1999 without mentioning the brand of the automobile.


This is evident of Sanusi’s political sycophancy as he only makes false and baseless claims without supplying necessary particulars. Again, assuming without conceding that this is true, in Sanusi’s clan, people never progress by dint of hard work?


Let us consider the record of this political savant, Dr. Banire. It was while Dr. Banire was in office as Commissioner for Transportation that we enjoyed some sanity in Lagos State. It was his achievement as commissioner that transformed the transportation landscape in Lagos State. A major achievement of Tinubu’s regime was recorded in transportation and if not for the sharp intellect of Dr. Banire, this would not have been.


It must be realised that the political contributions of Dr. Banire during the first term of Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola cannot be over-estimated. A major achievement of that regime was recorded in the Ministry of the Environment, where Dr. Banire was the Commissioner.
His contribution to politics in his area, Mushin, today is a reference point as Mushin continues to return the highest votes for the party in all elections. Dr. Banire coordinated the election of 2007 and the landslide victory recorded by Action Congress of Nigeria made him an indispensable product in the government of Governor Fashola.


The same thing he did in 2011 and he has never lost in his immediate constituency unlike Sanusi’s paymaster, who even lost his polling unit in the last local government election of 2011. Nothing can be farther from the truth than the ridiculous assertion that all that Dr. Banire “achieved was through recommendations of his godfathers”.


The history of modern Lagos cannot be complete without the invaluable achievements of Dr. Banire in the Ministries of Transportation and Environments in Lagos. He is indeed an inspiration to new generation of young leaders in Nigeria. Hired writers can never diminish the invaluable contribution of Dr. Banire to Lagos.


Dr. Banire has been assisting his political party all over the federation towards victory in several elections. Very many governors of progressive inclination would testify to the unquantifiable support rendered by Dr. Banire towards their victories. The same Dr. Banire has been using his advocacy skills and financial resources to support the party in different states of the federation anytime an election was rigged against the party.


The records are there for anyone to appreciate as Dr. Banire was in Adamawa to fight for ACN despite the Boko Haram menace which was threatening the State. He did not think of his personal safety when he was traversing the length and breadth of the nation to protect the interest of the party.


Unfortunately, Sanusi did not respond to the allegations of fact contained in Dr. Banire’s paper and interview published by Premium Times. He rather resorted to character assassination of which damages would have run him bankrupt if an action is filed against him.


Dr. Banire said “nobody should be intimidated as no one is God”, yet Sanusi is angry. One wonders if the threat by Tinubu to sack Sanusi some few weeks back due to financial impropriety of which he was accused is what made him to indulge in gutter journalism and almajiri penmanship.


Sanusi accused Dr. Banire of ingratitude to Tinubu for being appointed a commissioner. What is lost to this sycophantic mind is that a man of honour should not be shy to speak the truth and should not be deterred by sense of “gratitude” for an appointment which, except to Sanusi, is a privilege rather than a burden.


It is only people of Sanusi’s mentality that see appointment to public service as a perquisite. No wonder the inordinate struggle for same in our country. In other jurisdictions, such is basically for service and not for amala benefit as in Sanusi’s perception.


Let us remind Sanusi that his benefactor, Tinubu, fought himself off the shackles of the leaders and elders of Alliance for Democracy when they constituted themselves into sheer political nuisance. People like Dr. Banire backed Tinubu to achieve his freedom that brought about the formation of Action Congress and the demise of Alliance for Democracy.


History of Lagos politics in recent times cannot be complete without the mention of that development which brought about Action Congress. If Tinubu turns away from the progressive path, there must be courageous individuals like Dr. Banire, an important stakeholder in the progressive movement, who can mobilise to call him to order.


Sanusi wrote: “At what time did Banire realise that imposition was not progressive?” Sanusi does not know how long Dr. Banire had been campaigning against imposition in politics. Dr. Banire’s stance against imposition relates to nomination of candidates and not appointment of political officers as anyone may be appointed to any office.


Sanusi displayed crass ignorance when he alleged that Dr. Banire’s emergence as National Legal Adviser of APC was out of imposition. This is idiocy per excellence! Dr. Banire emerged the National Legal Adviser at a convention conducted by the party.


Assuming, without conceding that Dr. Banire had even benefited from imposition as alleged by Sanusi, does that make imposition of candidates right? If Sanusi had ventured to digest the interview very well, regardless of the above fact, Dr. Banire said in the interview that they are all guilty but only solicits change in line with the objective of his party. That I consider the height of humility!


It is clear that Dr. Banire has always been campaigning against imposition of candidates in the party for a long time which efforts he has always been carrying out within the party diplomatically while appealing to those aggrieved by the imposition. He made such individuals to stay within the party and he is now saying enough is enough! There is limit to such patience now!


Sanusi’s paper is a clear admission that due process has never been followed in the past. We thank him for that clear admission as he said “Let us ask Banire if he is ready to henceforth follow due process himself.”


Contrary to the falsehood peddled by Sanusi, Dr. Banire did not sponsor anyone for speakership in Lagos State as we are very familiar with the politics of Lagos State much more than people like Sanusi can pull wool over our eyes. This is a simple case of hallucination! I am sure Sanusi is not further pretending not to know that Speakership ‘appointment’ remains the exclusive preserve of his paymaster.


Sanusi’s article is nothing but a campaign to launder the image of his master, whose political dominance of Lagos State cannot continue forever. Yet, he, for a paltry sum of N250,000 monthly stipend has rubbished journalism as a gutter item by condemning a man of honour who has the courage to speak truth to power.


People like Sanusi are the ones who deceive Tinubu to believe that he is infallible as they lick his drooling spittle and assure him that the dirty habit is fashionable. They are the ones who want to destroy him with sheer sycophancy.


We thank Dr. Banire for his gallantry and honour. We thank him for voicing out the belief of the majority of the members of All Progressives Congress, who do not have the liver to oppose tyranny within the party. The era of imposing aspirants who lose at primaries is gone. We congratulate Dr. Banire for pointing out the dangers to the collective survival of our party in Lagos State and Nigeria.
-Sanyaolu is a Lagos APC member.

Source: http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/tinubu-s-stooges-and-almajiri-journalism/194306/

The Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) Vice-Presidential candidate in the 2011 presidential election and pastor of the Latter Rain Assembly, Tunde Bakare, has called on Nigerians, especially those in the position of authority, to suspend the 2015 general elections as a way to avoiding the imminent crisis that might trail the polls.

Bakare, instead, said a two-year transitional government should be put in place to adopt the report of the just-concluded National Conference as a way to avoiding the crisis that might follow the polls.

The cleric who was the vice-presidential candidate to former military Head of State, Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, gave the advice on Sunday in his church in Lagos during a thanksgiving service marking the end of the week-long ceremony to mark his 60th anniversary.

He said in the face of the security challenges facing Nigeria, it would be in the best interest of the country to hold the elections at a future date.

While emphasising that the current situation in the North-east would not allow proper election in areas affected by the activities Boko Haram terrorists, Bakare noted that Nigeria needs the two years extension of the election “like yesterday,” or that the political class should state how the election would hold without rancour.

“In my capacity as a servant of God and a watchman mandated to warn the nation ahead of impending danger, I have already made it clear to the nation that we need a transitional arrangement to pilot our nation out of this chaos before we can talk about elections. He who has ears to hear, let him hear because at this sensitive period in our polity when the nation seems to be tottering on the edge of a precipice, is a general election the solution to our crises or will elections aggravate the problem?” he asked.

Bakare, who drew inferences from Habakkuk 2:1-4 and Ezekiel 12:26-28 to buttress his position, premised his argument on the dire security situation in the country and the political hostility between the northern and southern parts of the country ahead of the election which many Nigerians and international community consider a make or mar poll in the political history of Nigeria.

“With parts of the North under the siege of Boko Haram insurgents in the form of outright territorial control in some cases and guerilla styled terror attacks in others and with the government failing to bring the situation under control, what is the guarantee that there will indeed be general elections in 2015?

“Even if elections are held successfully in some parts of the country, would results be conclusive without elections in the troubled parts? How would displaced persons cast their votes or are they automatically disenfranchised? How safe would massive campaign rallies be? With politicians and their militant cronies on both sides facing up to one another ahead of the elections and sounding the drumbeats of war should the elections not go in their respective interests, what would be the aftermath of a general election?

“We may argue that elections have been successfully held in some states under heavy military presence but let us not forget that we do not hold staggered elections in Nigeria. We are talking about general elections.

“If one were to ignore the atmosphere of intimidation and the warlike environment that such massive military deployment across the nation at the same time would create, do we even have sufficient security/military personnel for such a mission? What would be the impact of such a thin spread of our military on the safety of terror-stricken areas? In whatever way the results of the general election go – North or South – are we prepared for the reactions that could ensue?”

“Against the structural and systemic backdrop of the chaotic state of the nation, what is the wisdom in holding elections without dealing with these foundational problems? If the politicians ignore these salient questions and go ahead to juggle for power in the midst of chaos, then that would seem to lend credence to the allegation that the politicians do know what the Nigerian people do not know and are behind the crises in our nation, competing among themselves to see who can best manipulate the situation for political gains, not caring how many lives are lost in the process as long as personal ambition is achieved,” he noted.

The clergyman who has consistently alerted Nigerians since 2012 on the urgent need to address some salient issues in 2014, or else “there would be no 2015,” said for the country to have a hitch-free election, certain actions must be taken to ensure peace and understanding among Nigerians

“We need to address firstly the underlying problems by joining forces to deal with insurgency, seeking national reconciliation and integration, forging a new people’s constitution, developing a blueprint for development along zonal lines, organising an accurate census and establishing a truly independent electoral commission whose head is not appointed by the president and whose financial allocation will be obtained from the first line charge of the federation account.

“We must understand at this crucial stage in the history of our nation that this is no time to engage in the blame game that has torn us apart these past 100 years: the blame game between the North and the South, the blame game between the Christians and the Muslims, the blame game among political parties and the blame game between the leadership and the people,” he advised.

He also suggested that instead of acrimony, the people should think in line with the founding fathers of Nigeria to ensure that the best people become leaders of the country.

“The best of the North and the best of the South must come together. Instead of mediocres mistakenly labelled moderates, the best, the brightest, the fittest and the most competent must come together and steer the ship of the nation along the path of predictable development and progress.

Source: http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/bakare-calls-for-postponement-of-2015-elections/194305/

EroticAngelina:
na them sabi





#GEJtill2019

GEJ is the only qualified candidate to ship Nigeria. APC has nothing to offer except insults and lies. They don’t even have a manifesto. They're are completely clueless.

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has said the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) has been thrown into disarray, following this week’s declaration for next year’s presidential election by President Goodluck Jonathan, which the party said, was enjoying the support of the majority of Nigerians.

The ruling party said in a statement issued by its national publicity secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, in Abuja, on Thursday, that “Tuesday’s landmark declaration by President Jonathan, the overwhelming support shown by Nigerians and catalogue of unprecedented verifiable achievements marshaled out have thrown the APC into confusion.”

The statement observed that the APC, in their “characteristic manner, instead of accepting the successes already acknowledged by Nigerians, went into their usual shadowboxing and mischievous propaganda in a failed attempt to score a cheap political point.”

The ruling party added: “Such a lurid epithet on the APC defies the logic of an alternative while exposing it as hypocritical and opportunistic.”

It, therefore, called for objectivity and forthrightness from the political class, especially the opposition, as the campaigns for the 2015 general election begin in earnest.

PDP further berated the APC for “always seeking to gain political capital from the insecurity challenges in the nation,” adding that “Nigerians, by their massive support on Tuesday, showed that they know the truth and are solidly behind their president.”

The statement said notwithstanding that he defied the expectations of the terrorists and their sponsors to go ahead with the declaration, a day after the Potiskum bombing, the president and the PDP stood unyielding by the mourning families, as his disposition, speech and mobilisation of over 100,000 Nigerians in prayers at the event clearly showed.

It added that for the APC to cry wolf over this declaration which was scheduled almost a month before the bombing, “means the opposition party is either lacking in institutional memory or suffering from a deliberate amnesia.”

The PDP further said: “Nigerians may recall that on the 20th of May, 2014, there was a twin bomb blasts in the city of Jos, killing 118 people and wounding at least 56 others. However, this tragedy on the nation did not restrain the APC from holding its so called ‘Mega Rally’ in Ekiti the very next day, May 21 in promotion of the gubernatorial campaigns of the then Governor Kayode Fayemi.

“The entire top hierarchy of the APC, its national leaders, governors and the Interim National Executive were in attendance. At the rally, the APC scarcely observed a minute silence in honour of fellow Nigerians mowed down in cold blood before charging the atmosphere with usual insults and loathing acts of insensitivity, speaker, after speaker.

“It will be recalled also that while Nigerians and the International Community applauded President Jonathan for proscribing the terrorist sect, Boko Haram, the APC released a statement on the 10th of June 2013 alleging that such an act was ‘unconstitutional’ This is the APC pretending away from the heinous crimes of the same terrorist organization it once sought protection for.

“On the other hand, it is on record that President Jonathan and the PDP cancelled all scheduled activities on June 3, 2012 when the Dana Air crashed and declared a week national mourning. Unfortunately, the APC desecrated this as all its leaders converged on Kano the same week to celebrate a turbanning event, meaning that 163 souls that perished as a result of that crash were not important to the party.

“All over the world, it is known that terrorists plan their evil activities to manipulate political events and policies and that the more you allow them space, the more dastardly and frequent they turn. If terrorists must be denied the publicity they crave so much for, it becomes the responsibility of all patriots in moments like this to work hard to prevent them from hijacking events or taking control of our destiny. Clearly, the APC lacks the political capacity to understand this matter of statecraft.

“No doubt, it is easy to deduce that the APC was stunned by the mammoth crowd that turned out for the event and indeed unsettled by the unity existing in the PDP even in the wake of congresses for the election of candidates participating in 2015 general elections. Too bad! Nothing can APC do about this! In spite, we wish to restate our position on issue based campaigns while challenging the APC once more to match our pace with positive ideas.”

The PDP restated that Jonathan remains the candidate to beat as “he enjoys a very strong bond with the people of Nigeria in all the nooks and crannies.”

This, it said, is as a result of his exceptional performance in last three and half years not withstanding the spirited efforts by the opposition to distract, detract and frustrate his administration.

“Indeed, no amount of propaganda and negative campaign can take away the visible massive infrastructural developments, the freedom Nigerians now enjoy, the repositioning of the manufacturing sector, the thriving of the private sector in all areas of the economy, the unprecedented but silent revolution in power, agriculture, education, communication, transport and health sectors, all for which our dear nation now ranks as the largest and fastest growing economy in Africa,” the PDP remarked.

Source: http://www.tribune.com.ng/news/news-headlines/item/21474-apc-in-disarray-over-jonathan-s-declaration-pdp

onatisi:
Seun and his mods needs to do something about this frontpage issue. It is not the right of any forum member to be dictating which topic makes the frontpage or not,many people here now feel that once they create a topic then it is a must it must be on frontpage. it is the job and responibilty of nairaland admin to determine which topic makes the front page ,if they feel a topic isn't worthy of front page then so be it,the thread creator should just accept it.

Completely agree with you. The way some individuals on Nairaland go about dishing out instructions to mods to take their post to front page is pure lack of respect.
A topic should make frontpage base on merit and content. Seun should try not to let people take over this forum.

I observe with disdain the way APC leadership heap insults on a daily basis on the President. Never for ones have I heard them raise or debate on issues of national importance. I never heard them talk about the Economy, Economic diversification, the challenges and how they will make it better when given the chance. I never heard them debate on the issues of true federalism and how to reform the Nigerian federal structure. These and more had been my observation. Why are they always dishing out insults on a daily basis? Is it because of jealousy? Why haven't they proffered solutions to some of the challenges we face in Nigeria? I think the answer is: Because GEJ has worked so hard that there's nothing for them to talk about. This is very obvious. GEJ is fixing the Economy, Power Sector, the Agricultural Sector and so many others. There's nothing for APC to debate on except to rain insults. Is it any surprised that the only thing APC love to talk about and play politics with is insecurity?
APC leadership are very clueless. They got nothing to talk about and certainly have nothing to offer Nigeria.

aryzgreat:
Please who has buhari doctor's phone number? Just heard nugatory collapsed on watching this mammoth crowd after their attempt to scuttle this event by d bomb of yesterday failed.

I tell you the crowd presently at Eagle Square is Fantastic. This goes to show that GEJ has people who love him. GEJ's record speaks for him.
Representative of Nigerian Students is given out his address.

Live Up Date:
Speakers and currently given out their speech. The representative of the workers Union of Nigeria just finished Speaking.

Update on GEJ Declaration Rally:
The crowd at the venue is something else. Everywhere is chocked up. Musicals ie the Centenary Songand short documentaries are shown via large screens.
Goodluck Jonathan is presently in Eagle Square.
Prayers are about to begin.

gtrust:
Correct man President GEJ till 2019!!!!

You got my 1st vote!!!!!

The Administration of Goodluck Jonathan brought in Foreign direct invest to the tune of $59 billion dollars in just four years!!! No administration since 1960 was able to achieve this feat. GEJ is breaking records!

Dignitaries from all over the Country are now gathered at Eagle Square. Among those present at the moment are 5 governors, Ministers, Senators and many others. Sport personalities like Peter Rufai, Austin Eguaveon are also not left out to lend their support to Mr President. Alot more dignitaries are still on their way to the venue.
Event is currently taking place Live at Eagle Square.
NTA and Silver Bird are beaming it Live.



Let’s Support Goodluck Jonathan to make Nigeria Great.

Security of lives and property is a task for every Nigerian citizen. We need to be vigilant at all times. We must not depend completely on the security people to be present at all times. Recent surge of terrorists attacks on schools is an indictment on all of us for failing to be security conscious.
Information coming out of Government science secondary school Portiskum, Yobe State has it that the suicide bomber disguised himself as a student and went into the school premises. He waited till the daily assembly ritual was about to begin before walking himself right into the midst of the Students before detonating himself up, killing many students in the process. This should not have happened. If the school authorities were serious enough, they would have set up a mechanism where unknown faces are prevented from crossing the school gate. They should have been able to recognize who is their student and who is not.
This is a big lesson to all of us. We need to help ourselves by being security conscious at all times. Boko haram do not wear identification clothes for easy recognition. They wear normal clothes like everyone to perpetrate their evils among us.
I believe boko haram can be defeated if all of us work together.

Disappointed by the refusal of the United States to help Nigeria procure military weapons to combat Boko Haram, the federal government has now openly expressed its dissatisfaction with the American government decision, arguing that the Americans were letting Nigeria down at her hour of need, Empowered Newswire reports.Speaking Monday while receiving a delegation of the U.S. Council on Foreign Relations, the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States, Professor Ade Adefuye said both the Nigerian people and the government feel abandoned by America.According to Mr. Adefuye “I am sad to inform you that the Nigerian leadership: military and political, and even the general populace, are not satisfied with the scope, nature and content ofthe United States’ support for us in our struggle against terrorists.”Continuing, the Nigerian envoy stated that “we find it difficult to understand how and why in spite of the U.S. presence in Nigeria with their sophisticated military technology, Boko Haram shouldbe expanding and becoming more deadly”.Reviewing the situation further, Mr. Adefuye said that at first, Nigeria had problems with the manner in which intelligence wasbeing shared, adding that even though the U.S. Government claims that the problem has been addressed, “it is still there”.Categorically, Mr. Adefuye stated that “the U.S. Government has up till today refused to grant Nigeria’s request to purchase lethalequipment that would have brought down the terrorists within ashort time on the basis of the allegations that Nigeria’s defence forces have been violating human rights of Boko Haram suspects when captured or arrested.”Indeed the US government had equally explained that it would not be selling military weapons to Nigeria due to human rights allegations against the Nigerian military.But Mr. Adefuye, in his meeting with the Council on Foreign Relations, dismissed such allegations.Mr. Adefuye noted that Nigeria and the United States have had a long standing and healthy relationship reinforced by existing economic and geo-political realities. However he said in recent times “Nigeria has had reasons to complain about the style, nature and manner with which some United States’ policies are implemented with particular reference to terrorism in Nigeria.“He said the United States was the first to respond to Nigeria’s call for support in its battle against terrorists and has remained a major pillar of support in the struggle against the terrorists.But he said it is a sad commentary that right now inspite of the U.S. presence and help in Nigeria Boko Haram is becoming more deadly.Alleging that the US might have been reacting upon claims fromthe opposition media with sympathy for opposition parties, Adefuye insisted that the allegations could not be substantiated as many of the allegations were meant to “embarrass the government of President Goodluck Jonathan.”Professor Adefuye further emphasised that allegations of human rights violation are based on rumours, hearsays and exaggerated accounts of clashes between the Nigerian forces and Boko Haram fighters.He cited an example of an incident that happened in Baga in 2013, when human rights groups and the opposition press reported that based on pictures taken from satellite, over 1600 houses were destroyed in a village that has less than 600 houses.Besides, Mr. Adefuye stated regarding the video reports of human rights violations involving attacks on women and children purported to have been carried out by Nigerian soldiers in Boko Haram affected areas that those activities were carried out by Boko Haram members wearing stolen Nigerian army uniforms.He explained that disguise and subterfuge are standard practices of insurgent groups; and that the Chibok abduction of our school girls by Boko Haram succeeded because the girls thought that they were being carried to safety by soldiers of the Nigerian army.The Nigerian Ambassador said opinions on human rights violations by Nigerian defence forces are biased and are not subjected to the necessary verification.He went on to say that the Boko Haram issue is becoming heavily politicized especially with the approach of the general elections in 2015. Opposition media, he said, provide half-truths, exaggerated accounts which are then aired by the foreign media, forming the basis of reports sent to the capitals of Western nations.He, therefore, implored the embassies of western nations based in Nigeria to check and re-check their facts, and not use half-truths and rumours as the basis of their reports and recommendations to their capitals.He argued that the alleged violations are unfortunately the basisof U.S.’ refusal to sell necessary lethal equipment to Nigeria in order to fight Boko Haram.The Nigerian ambassador then implored the Council on Foreign Affairs to put pressure on the US State Department and the US Department of Defence to re-examine the basis of their refusal to sell equipment to Nigeria, insisting that Boko Haram threatens Nigeria’s corporate existence and territorial integrity.“A stable and secure Nigeria is an invaluable asset to America,” Mr. Adefuye said.

Source: http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/170879-nigeria-blasts-america-says-u-s-has-let-nigeria-down-in-war-against-boko-haram.html

President Goodluck Jonathan*.Revealed: Why PDP opened up contest to other aspirantsEmma Bello and Chuks Okocha in AbujaPresident Goodluck Jonathan will tuesday at the Eagle Square in Abuja, declare his bid to vie for a second term in office, the committee set up to prepare the framework for his declaration stated sunday.A key part of the declaration by the president will be the unveiling of a new campaign slogan, “Nigerians First, Nigerians Always. Let’s Do It Together”.Making this known at a briefing in Abuja, the Chairman of the Media and Publicity Sub-committee, Senator Aniete Okon, however refused to disclose the cost of the declaration, stating that it was private and secret to the president.Okon, who is a former National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), said the president’s declaration would be attended by more than 2,000 pro-Goodluck Jonathan groups, members of the PDP, women’s groups, as well as members of the civil society.He said the occasion would be momentous, as the president would use it to launch his new campaign slogan whose essence is to identify with Nigerians who are central to the desire of the president to seek a second term in office.The message of the slogan, he said, seeks to eradicate poverty and raise the bar on improving the living standards of all Nigerians.“This is the central issue to the declaration. Also, it is expected to help rejuvenate the efforts of government and re-dedicate the goals of an egalitarian society for the nation and the people of Nigeria.“That is the essence of the declaration which is to inspire government to do what is always good for the people. Government is all about improving the welfare of the people, so the essence is to seek a fresh mandate on this basis.“Before 2011, the life expectancy of all Nigerians was low. But now, things have greatly improved in all spheres of life and weare making great and steady progress,” Okon stated.On why the president is declaring without a resolution in sight on the 219 Chibok schoolgirls still held in captivity by Boko Haram, he asked: “Are you therefore saying that he should notdeclare until we find the kidnapped girls. Are you saying that he should not renew his mandate with the Nigerian people?“By and large, with the declaration, the president is set to pursue the path of transformation to ensure every Nigerian has hope and believes there is a caring and listening government that has raised the bar and quality of lives for Nigerians.”He refused to open up on the source of funding for the declaration, stating: “The cost is secret and private to the president and it is not for public consumption. We all contributed towards the declaration.”According to Okon, six foreign capitals would air the president’s declaration live. The initiative, he explained, is being spearheaded by the president’s supporters in the Diaspora under the banner, One Nigeria Coalition.The cities are Washington DC, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Houston, London and Johannesburg.Cities whose time zones are close to Nigeria like London and Johannesburg, are expected to transmit from the nation’s capital, while others are expected to hook up later.In Abuja, security around the Three Arm Zone and Eagle Square has been beefed up, with security personnel taking over the entire landscape of the area.Meanwhile, THISDAY has learnt how Jonathan upturned the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the party on the issueof sole candidacy.His objection eventually paved the way for the purchase of presidential nomination forms by those interested in contesting for the presidential ticket of the party.The PDP NEC had at its 66th meeting endorsed Jonathan as the party’s sole presidential candidate, submitting that his candidature would be formally ratified at the December 10 national convention.The party therefore advised its members to adhere strictly to the decision by not picking presidential nomination forms.Following the directive, the son of Nigeria’s late prime minister, Dr. Tafawa Balewa, and Mrs Duke-Abiola were denied the forms.But sources said Jonathan summoned the PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Adamu Mu'azu, and members of NEC and directed them to reverse their decision in order to allow other aspirants to contest in the primaries, irrespective of his earlier endorsement.“President Jonathan summoned them to a meeting and directed that the two be allowed to purchase the forms and participate in the presidential primary at the party’s convention. They had to reverse their decision as they were told that it was undemocratic to stop anybody from the process. No one had to be denied just because the president was endorsed by the party,” a party source explained.Balewa, however, withdrew from the contest last week following a meeting with Ijaw leader, Chief Edwin Clark.

Source: http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/jonathan-to-declare-for-presidential-race-tuesday/193667/

A question was ask by BBC Africa on Facebook about what Foreign Nationals think when they hear the word Nigeria. Below is the quote from BBC Africa on Facebook:

What do you think when you hear the word "Nigeria"? The country's reputation has been tarnished by corruption, email scams and Boko Haram - but when it comes to film and fashion, business in Nigeria is booming. Newsday's Bilkisu Labaran is in Lagos. We'll be discussing your comments from 0600GMT. Listen here: http://bbc.in/102dGP2

Check out the responses:

Nsubuga van Mubiru
Like any other country in the world,you can not have challenges in all fields.
Us who are in Uganda,we love your movies. may God be with you.
Long live G.B.J
Like · 36 · Reply · 11 hours ago
4 replies

Juliette Savita
I have been a friend to most Nigerians here in South Africa and one thing i have learnt about them is that they are proud African people who embrace the sense of being African with much pride, yes every Country has it's own share of bad seeds but majority of Nigerian people are good people with very creative and resourceful minds. A Nigerian can be educated with so many degrees but you will never take Nigeria out of them. I have seen some educated people in my country who wants to copy everything Western but not Nigerians. They are proud AFRICAN and they rubbed off this on me. AM PROUD ZAMBIAN!!!!!
Edited · Like · 26 · Reply · 4 hours ago
1 reply

Ntubungu Shekina Lifumbela
Wen I hear of nigeria I think of jx getn on a plan n go there,I luv de country de food they eat maks me go wow dats africa n de pipo...wud really luv 2hv frnds 4rm nigeria ‪#‎OneAfrica‬!!
Like · 24 · Reply · 10 hours ago
20 replies

Lawan M Kolomi
BBC your portion to break off Nigeria will never prosfer InShaAllah
Like · 22 · Reply · 11 hours ago
2 replies

Janice McGrory
Mention Nigeria to me and I think of my lovely Nigerian family. I think of all of my friends who have helped my over the past few years. I think of the care and compassion they show my disabled daughter. I think of the fantastic music that is played daily in my home. I think of a beautiful and vibrant culture. I do not think of negative as there is plenty corruption etc in my own country UK that I should be concerned about.

I must say I find the way you worded this post offensive.. because lets face it there is theives and robbers etc the world over not just Nigeria. You cannot judge everyone by actions of few that is unfair.
Like · 19 · Reply · 9 hours ago
8 replies

Rodney A. Irene-Bishop
When Nigeria name is mentioned I am reminded about a GREAT country that the imperialist British people ganged rape and plunder her resources and other African countries too.Britain is still illegally occupying Gibraltar &Falkland Island.They followed their Boss the USA to illegally occupy Iraq and Afghanistan and killed thousands of innocent men, women and children. Yet, criminal George Bush and Tony Blair are not in the I CJ for human rights abuses.When I hear of Britain and the West I am reminded that they are animals who legalized that a man can sleep with another man, very soon these animals - in - human skin will legalize that a man can marry his cat/dog .When I hear of Britain and the BBC I am reminded that this is nation that has imprisoned the Scots and don't allow them to leave the illegal union where the Queen has no job but she and her family is feeding fat on other people's income that is 419 (scam).Britain reminds me about LIBOR where banks manipulate figures and dumped people that is Fraud personified.A nation of child molesters.Murder rate in USA in a month is more than what BH did in one year in Nigeria. Britain and the West are addicted ro Cocain and other hard drugs that is why the drug lords in South America are rich.Who make BBC a judge over Nigeria/Àfrica, instead of apologizing and paying hefty compensation for years of colonialism and plunder, you are running your dirty and smelling mouth over a clever and smart people.Nigeria a blessed and great Nation with clever and smart people.Was Bernard Madoff a Nigerian? Stupid BBC and Britain!
Like · 14 · Reply · 8 hours

Maria Mhandire
When I hear Nigeria, I think energy, I think vibrance, I think colour. I also remember Lagos, such an active busy city with everyone hustling and bustling going about their daily business working really hard to making a living. What strikes me every time I go to Nigeria is the determination of the people to just get on with it despite the challenges in such a tough environment. The buzz and vibrant energy of Lagos is infectious. My next trip is in a few weeks and my first order of business is coco yam and egusi!!
‪#‎love‬ the traffic wardens in the yellow cubicle/ booth....classic!#
Like · 14 · Reply · 10 hours ago
1 reply

J Adolphus Sackie
I I'm a LIBERIAN... but when I hear Nigeria, yt comes to my mind is Africa's super power....not corruption
Like · 13 · Reply · 8 hours ago
1 reply

Ejiofor Chukwudi
When I think of Nigeria, the first thing that comes to my mind was 'VICTORY'

The first country to be the African Champion both MALE and FEMALE teams at the same time!

The first country of the world to defeat EBOLA!
The first African country that America is visiting to seek for ideas and assistance!
E.T.C.
Like · 12 · Reply · 7 hours ago

Honourable Ibemesi Nnamdi
What I think when I hear the word "Nigeria"? I will simply say its a country facing some challenges of transformation to become a Modern Country and I surely know that One Day they will surely overcome it..

Hennessy Zolnier
Where there is money and prosperity, you will find corruption and evil. This happens no matter what country we are talking about. The need for power and wealth causes some people to do whatever it takes to get their needs fulfilled. Just because this happens, it does not make the entire countries bad, but only the people who have evil intentions. Every single country on this planet is guilty of evil deeds, and there is no prevention; there is only limited control of the problem.
Like · 11 · Reply · 8 hours ago
6 replies

Ali C Nnaemeka Omi
When I hear the name Nigeria, I think of that country that fought the Ebola Virus Disease fearlessly. I also think of a nation of people who have learnt how to survive no matter its multiple difficulties.
Like · 11 · Reply · 8 hours ago

Mubanga Lecrae Phiri
Nigeria is not that bad there are loads of good things that u've left, mind you Nigeria is leading wen it comes to entertainment, GDP and they are great writers.. as a zambian i love 9ja.
Like · 11 · Reply · 10 hours ago
3 replies

Ibrahim Oroni
I am Kenyan and Nigeria to me means a country brimming with creative minds.
Nigerian arts, paricularly Literature, rocks: Chinua (RIP), Soyinka, Adichie Ngozi, Chibundu, Oyeyemi etc.
Edited · Like · 11 · Reply · 10 hours ago

Bin Gondwe
You have to be careful when dealing with a Nigerian they are very skilful at everything they do but above all Nigerians are good entertaining people
Like · 10 · Reply · 10 hours ago

Nambalirwa Monah Aminah
International thieves and Drag Dealers, Gigolos, conmen.human traffickers
Edited · Like · 10 · Reply · 10 hours ago
61 replies

Niyitanga Jean de Dieu
My dream country
Like · 9 · Reply · 10 hours ago

Basil Ekwebelem
Nigeria is a great country, colonized by Britain and hated by the same country that colonized them because they sorted for freedom. A country with great talents, extraordinary human and natural resources. An envy of all nations. A country without Nigerians is a failed country. We make great news everyday, good and bad. Terrorism is a global phenomenon and is financed by most so called superpowers. Boko haram will soon come for you. The hunter will soon be the hunted.
Like · 9 · Reply · 10 hours ago
2 replies

Colleta Nasha Chifambi
People who strongly maintain their culture,intelligent,hardworking,tricky......
Like · 9 · Reply · 11 hours ago

Lekwauwa Akwari
BBC Africa is indirectly tarnishing the image of nigeria by trying to convince every body in the world that nigeria have negative image. They hardly post anything gud about Nigeria,when they want to priase Nigeria they must find one negative image and attach to the praise. What is wrong in telling the whole word that Nigeria is doing excellently well in fashion and movie business without attaching curruption and e-mail scam to it. If u want to discus curruption and e-scam in Nigeria, fine, do that seperatly afterall they are both 'English Words' with British origine. You know what i mean. Just reminding u that Britian colonised Nigeria and the desire of every good father is for the child to be greater than him
Like · 8 · Reply · 8 hours ago

Nigerians across the country have raised the sum of 92 Million Naira as support package for Goodluck Jonathan as he prepares to buy his nomination form.
PDP's Presidential nomination form cost 22 million naira.
President Jonathan is set to formally declare his interest on 11th November to join the 2015 presidential race.
Source: AIT 8:00pm News.
29/10/2014

Zambian President Michael Sata has died at the age of 77 after receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness, the government says.President Sata, who was being treated in the UK, died in London's King Edward VII hospital on Tuesday night.Media said that he died after "a sudden onset [of] heightened heart rate".It is not immediately clear who will succeed the president. The issue may be decided by the Zambian cabinet which meets on Wednesday morning."It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing on of our beloved president," cabinet secretary Roland Msiska said.His death comes just days after Zambia celebrated the 50th anniversary of independence from the UK.'King Cobra'Earlier this month reports in Zambia said that President Sata had gone abroad for a medical check-up amid persistent speculation that he was seriously ill.After he left the country, Defence Minister Edgar Lungu was named as acting president.Vice-President Guy Scott has regularly stood in for the president at official events. But he is of Scottish descentand his parents were not born in Zambia, so he may fall foul of a constitutional clause on parentage which would nullify his candidacy.Known as "King Cobra" for his venomous tongue, Mr Sata was elected Zambia's president in 2011.He has rarely been seen in public since returning from the UN General Assembly last month, where he failed to make a scheduled speech.Mr Sata became president in September 2011, defeatingthe then incumbent Rupiah Banda whose party had beenin power for 20 years.

Source: http://m.bbc.com/news/world-africa-29813612

Now that Tambuwal has defected to the APC from the PDP, the platform that brought him to the house of Representatives, it's time he do himself a favor by stepping aside as Speaker of the house of Representatives.

Good news for Nigeria.

The following statement were made by Gen Buhari:
Abacha was not Corrupt. - Gen Buhari

The question know is how can an individual who claim to be the face of Anti Corruption say Abacha who stole hundreds of millions of dollars of Nigeria's money wasn't corrupt? It doesn't make any sense.
Buhari obviously does not know what it takes to fight corruption.

Have a great day everyone.
God bless Nigeria.

The Minister of Transport, Idris Umar has said that the present administration of President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan has recorded giant strides in the actualization of its Transformation Agenda through the transport sector of the nation's economy.The Minister made this known during the Ministry's 2014Ministerial Press Briefing on the programmes and projects of the Ministry and its Agencies held on TuesdayOctober 21, 2014 at the National Press Centre in Radio House , Abuja. He added that the performance indicators of the Ministry's achievement in the transport sector contributed enormously to the growth and sustainability of the economy.According to him, the achievement would help to reposition the nation's economy for the overall benefit of the Nigerian people as the fundamental goal of the transport sector under the Transformation Agenda is to develop adequate, safe, environmentally sound, efficient and affordable integrated transport system within the framework of a progressive and competitive national and international market economy.Idris Umar further explained that the rehabilitation of over 90% of the entire existing narrow gauge lines throughout the country is ongoing; noting that the rehabilitation is the first segment of the 25 years railway strategic vision as part of reforms in the rail sub-sector. He intensified that the rehabilitation of 1,124km western rail line (Lagos - Kano) is completed while work in the 1,657 km eastern rail line (Port Harcourt-Maiduguri) is progressing steadily with the branch line from Kafanchan - Kaduna expected to be completed by December 2014."The construction of Abuja-Idu- Kaduna Standard Gauge Rail line is over 85% completed and is expected to be delivered by the end of 2014. The contract for the Lagos -Ibadan Standard Gauge (double track) 2 x 180km has been awarded and work will commence as soon as funding arrangement is concluded," he said. Adding, framework agreement was signed in May 2014 between the Federal Ministry of Transport and Messrs CCECC for the construction of a coastal railway line to connect ten States of the country.The Minister revealed that the Federal Government is currently making efforts to develop the Lekki Deep Sea Port in partnership with the Lagos State Government anda private company (Eurochem Technologies Corporation Limited) using an equity structure of 20:20:60 by the FGN, LASG and private investors. He also indicated that the process for the development of lbom Deep Sea Port in Akwa lbom State and Badagry in Lagos are in progress.While speaking on the contract for the dredging of critical parts of River Benue, he informed that the award will be completed in 36 months; insisting that the government had completed the dredging of the Lower River Niger from Warri (Delta State) to facilitate all year navigation. He stated that the Nigerian Shippers Council which was established by the NSC Act Cap. N133 LFN 2004 has standardized freight rate and assured a level ofcompliance by the providers of local shipping services to provide a level playing field for stakeholders in the industry through consultation. Umar noted that this has facilitated the establishment of six Inland Dry Ports in the country under PPP arrangement.He stressed the importance of collaboration with other African countries and the judiciary in the country, hinting that under the platform of the Nigeria - Niger Joint Commission (NNJC), the NSC in collaboration with the NPA has encouraged Niger Republic economic operators to utilize the Nigerian transit corridor for their imports and exports.

Source http://m.allafrica.com/stories/201410230239.html/

amosisinsin:
. Well, if I may come in once more .............." throat clearing". It is regrettable Lugubrious that some people can only talk before thinking. If and only if u want Nigeria to b delivered from this Lootocracy regime ( govt of looting) of president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, then u must stop thinking with ur Anus and give the country leadership to people of an unquestionable level of integrity and vision. When Kids are given access to internet, abuse is inevitable. Using GMB #27.5 million loan as an index to weigh his level of corruption is like saying Jonathan would have remain shoeless uptill now because of his " I had no shoe" slogan he uses to deceived Nigerians b4 he won d last Election. U should not hav 4gotten so soon dat "he" ( Jonathan of PDP) is rated recently as d 6ix richest serving president in Africa. My Dear, u should hav aswell used dat as a perimeter to measure his level of Corrupt practice, looting and clueless. Maybe u should hav aswell advise President Jonathan of PDP to de clear his asset open to Nigeria aswell as his Federal Executhives council FEC. After all, his former boss in person of late Yar aduah of blessed memory did so. # crying#.............. Well, I think Jonathan will do dis Country a whole lot of good if he step down for a better hand dat is not clueless. Buhari maynot be a better option but he is far better than any candidate from PDP. It is well....

Thanks for your insults and contribution.
Have a great day.

RockMaxi:

@OP, I detests post with weighty topic and bias writeup. What will it take you to broaden your facts like @morefire just did. Your strongest point is also your weakest link.

No political party can reshape this country like the inner will of her citizens. The youths that are supposed to be the change agent have all been jinxed with the political momentum. They are either resonating as PDP crest, APC trough or vice versa. How long are we going to continue like this...

You're entitled to your opinion just as am entitled to my own opinion.

Leadership worldwide is about service to humanity. Service to work for the benefit of the populace without expecting anything in return. Service to sacrifice oneself for the greater good of all even at the point of personal disadvantage or dead.
Its the kind of service that is transparent, honest and devoid of lies and manipulations.
The kind of service that would put smiles on the faces of the people.
This the kind of service Nigerians deserve.

Events of late about some presidential aspirants as with regard to transparency and honesty lives many people like me scratching my head.
The public admission by Buhari that he collected a bank loan to buy nomination form for politics begs many questions surrounding he's honesty.

-What is Buhari's view about leadership?
-How much is he truly worth?
-Is he really poor?
-Why collect a bank loan for politics?

These and more are questions begging for answers.
Business as defined by the dictionary is any commercial activity that yields profits or returns over a period of time. This could be in cash or in kind.
Now, we are all aware about the kind of politics some politicians play in this country. Politics to these group of people is business. Business in the sense that what ever they spend to aspire to a political office, when they get there they recover back their investment by dipping their hands in the National treasury. To these group of politicians, Politics is just good business.

Now let's juxtapose this in line with what Buhari's action lately.
Buhari obviously see leadership as a business venture. He put his skills into practice by taking a bank loan to finance his political ambition.
By taking a bank loan to the sum of #27.5 million, (The Bank manager should be fired) he's telling us that he's investing it into politics by buying APC's presidential nomination form. This will enable him aspire for the number one public office in the land: Presidency.
Let's assume he won the election (Highly Unlikely) and becomes President, all he would do is simply dip his hands in the federation account and recover back his investment, plus the 27.5 million he took as loan to pay the bank including interest. Now do you see the picture? Can Buhari be regarded as an honest man if he could practice what other politicians had been doing since 1978? Can Buhari be regarded as a honest man? Personally, I think he's as dishonest as any other rogue politician.
The fact that he took a loan (If True) to finance his political ambition is enough reason to paint him as just another Business politician. Its never about service to Nigerian citizens. It's just business as usual.
The fact that he took loan for politics shows that he has no clue about finance and businesses organization in the real sense of the word. How would he develop the Nigerian economy with this kind of mindset if he becomes President? He would definitely plunge Nigeria into financial crisis if he got the chance.

Its time Nigerians open their eyes to the kind of politics these people play in the name of service for Nigeria. If you truly want to serve Nigeria you will do so at your expense. If truly you want to serve Nigeria you will do so at personal cost with no hope or expectation of recovering it back. If truly you desire to serve Nigeria you will do so at personal risk to your own financial safety and security.
Ladies and gentlemen, Buhari is not the incorruptible politician his followers try to paint him to be. He certainly is not the kind of leader Nigeria wants, who see politics as a business venture. He's definitely not the kind of leader that can sacrifice his own finances for a good course of service to Nigeria. Definitely not the kind of leader who see service as GIVE and not SEEK ANYTHING in RETURN .

These singular act of his has shown me that Buhari is not Transparent and honest enough to be Nigerian's President.

Have a Nice Day Everyone.
God Bless Nigeria.

dunkem21:
My Family and I are marked for Goodluck.

My reasons:

1. Curbing Terrorism.
2. Overhauling of the Aviation Industry.
3. Agricultural Reforms.
4. Improved Power supply.
5. Free and fair elections.
6. Independence of the judiciary.

#dorofreshair.

Wise choice. I stand for freedom.
Everyone is free to support who they want but I will never sacrificed my freedom for anything else.